Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Air Congo in Early December: Group CEO

Addis  Ababa  November 8/2024 (ENA) Ethiopian Airlines will be launching Air Congo that co-owned with the Congolese government and is part of Ethiopian’s strategy to grow its footprint across the African continent, the Group CEO Mesfin Tasew disclosed.

Speaking to ENA, Mesfin revealed that Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, will launch this new airline within a month in Congo, Air Congo, with a 49 percent stake.

Starting in early December 2024, Air Congo will be becoming operational with two Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet Boeing 737-800s, Mesfin pointed out.

The Ethiopian has also planned to increase its fleet to six 737-800s within a year, the CEO revealed.

The launch of Air Congo backed by Ethiopian Airlines is part of Ethiopian’s strategy to increase its presence on the African continent and tap into growing demand for air travel.

This launching also marks another great move for the Ethiopian Airlines, following the success of Ethiopian’s joint ventures with to Togo's ASKY, Zambia Airways, and Malawi Airlines, Mesfin underscored.

The CEO added the Ethiopian Airlines Group is on a fast and all-round track of growth in all directions to achieve its vision.

Noting that Ethiopian Airlines will hold a 49 Percent stake in Air Congo, with the Congolese government holding 51 percent, however, Mesfin announced that Ethiopian will fully manage it.

The launch of Air Congo is expected to boost air travel in the Democratic Republic of Congo and enhance the revenue of the Ethiopian Airlines, where the country has sizable population and the demand for air transport is high, the CEO noted.

The Ethiopian Airlines has been successful in its joint venture airlines, with a careful assessment of partners and business plans before investing, it was learned.